A goal by Alfred Effiong three minutes from time enabled Balzan to return to winning ways as they defeated St. Andrews 1-0 at the Hibernians Stadium on Saturday.

Balzan move temporarily in sixth place on level points with Birkirkara on the 36-point mark, two behind Sliema and four behind Hamrun. Birkirkara and Sliema, however, have a game in hand.

On the other hand, the Saints remain third from bottom on 18 points, three behind Senglea.

Alfred Effiong scored the all-important goal on the 87th minute when he headed the ball home off a Cadu freekick.

ST. ANDREWS Matthew Calleja Cremona, Alex Satariano (78′ Matthew Woo Ling), Kevyn Mcfarlane, Ricardo Martin (88′ Aidan Jake Friggieri), Travis Blagrove, Kemar Reid, Joseph Farrugia, Kurt Magro, Jacob Walker (68′ Dejan Debono), Martin Davis, Luke Sciberras.
Subs not used: Elmaddin Mamadov, Adam Magri Overend, Malcolm Vella, Vidal, Adrian Borg.
Coach: Johann Scicluna

BALZAN Sean Mintoff, Justin Grioli, Nenad Sljivic, Steve Pisani, Steve Bezzina (75′ Carlos Eduardo de Fiori Mendes), Paul Fenech, Alfred Effiong (90′ Sean Cipriott), Uros Ljubomirac, Elkin Serrano Valero, Ricardo Calixto Correa Duarte, Andrija Majdevac (58′ Lydon Micallef).
Subs not used: Steve Sultana, Dale Camilleri, Michael Johnson, Milos Lepovic.
Coach: Jacques Scerri
Asst. Coach: Velibor Kopunovic

Referee: Alan Mario Sant
Assistant Referees: Mitchell Scerri, Duncan Spencer
Fourth Official: Alex Johnson
Yellow Cards: Davis, Walker, Fenech, Reid, Satariano, Woo Ling
BOV Player of the Match: Martin Davis

Attendance: